Erik ten Hag’s Diogo Dalot injury decision shows improvement at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag is taking things slow with Diogo Dalot after the Manchester United defender returned from the World Cup injured.

Dalot, 23, started every single game for The Reds before the break in the season. He’s been one of Ten Hag’s most trusted players and continued to impress on the world stage with his country.

However, the full-back fell to injury in Portugal’s last game of the tournament in a loss against Morocco. He returned to full training with United last week but missed out on the Premier League victory against Wolves.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has come into the fold and impressed, especially considering his lack of game-time beforehand under the Dutch manager.

Whilst the English defender does not quite offer the same progressiveness that Dalot gives United, it has been easier for him to come into Ten Hag’s unit than it has been for squad players beforehand at Old Trafford.

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This means that the manager is able to allow Dalot to get to full fitness – which is crucial ahead of the busy schedule coming United’s way – and then, hopefully, continue providing impressive performances as he did before the break.

“Diogo Dalot also made good progress,” answered Ten Hag when asked about the latest team news ahead of the Bournemouth game. “We don’t want to take risks with anyone because we know there are many games to come and we need a full squad to cover all the games.”

This is something that has been an issue at Old Trafford in previous years. The reluctance to use squad players and to overwork the important players in the squad.

Of course, Ten Hag has an ideal eleven in mind and will want to produce the strongest possible team week-in, week-out. But it’s also apparent that, with the building blocks placed, it’s an easier transition for someone like Wan-Bissaka to come into the side than it would’ve been beforehand.